Common Foot Problems and Treatments
This information is given in very general terms, it is not meant for self-diagnosis and it in no way provides all of the information that would be provided by a physician. All pains and discomforts should be taken seriously and evaluated by a medical professional. This area is designed as a guide to common problems and common treatments. All patients are unique and your symptoms as well as treatment options may differ from the information below. 
Bunions:
Usually appearing as a bony prominence near the base of the big toe, bunions occur for many reasons ranging from genetics and incorrect foot mechanics to poorly fitted shoes. Depending on the severity and pain of the deformity the doctor may recommend changing your shoe gear, getting custom foot orthotics, and or having a surgical correction.
Hammer Toes:
When toe joints are buckled or curled it is referred to as a hammer toe. Hammer toes can be either rigid or flexible. The general causes for this problem are tendons that are too tight and improper muscle balance. Outside forces that contribute are tight fitting shoes and socks. If you only suffer from discomfort due to the calluses and corns that are side effects of this deformity then routine professional debridements of the lesions and a simple change of your foot wear or accommodative padding may be all that you require. If your pain is severe or the deformity is causing sores surgery will most likely be required to alleviate your pain.
Plantar Fasciitis:
Experiencing pain along the bottom of your foot where the heel and arch meet, especially first thing in the morning or upon standing after a period of rest? These are common symptoms of this diagosis. The plantar fascia is a band (that is similar to a ligament) that runs from the ball of your foot to your heel. When you have poor foot mechanics this band can be stretched and pulled so taut that it can start to fray and become very swollen. A plaster casting of your feet can be done and custom foot orthotics made to correct the mechanics of the foot and resolve the discomfort in most cases. Cortisone injections and orthopedic strappings are other common treatments. There are also new technologies with Shock wave therapy that can treat this problem noninvasively. It involves sound waves being directed at the area of concern that makes the body react and create new blood vessels that helps repair the band. This procedure requires no incisions and no recovery time unlike the surgical corrections that are available. If invasive surgery is required our doctors are well trained in advanced endoscopic surgery (surgery that uses a mini camera) this allows for small incisions and short recovery times.
Neuromas:
A growth of nerve tissue that normally occurs between the 3rd and 4th digits. Neuromas can cause burning pain in the ball of the foot, tingling and numbness of the foot and between the toes. You might also have the sensation that you are walking on a pebble. For symptoms, cortisone injections and prescribed anti- inflammatory medications can help with the swelling and ease the pain. A series of injections with an alcohol solution may also be used to help permanently numb the nerve. Neuromas can also be removed surgically. As with many foot problems proper shoe gear plays an important role in prevention and easing the painful symptoms that can occur.
Ingrown Nails:
When the nail grows into the surrounding skin it is called an ingrown nail. Although this can happen with all toes the most common one affected is the big toe. The toe can become very painful especially when walking. Infections are common with ingrown nails so for preventions sake they should be treated as soon as possible. Sometimes the corner of the nail can be trimmed in other cases, with a local anesthetic, the edge of the nail is removed down to the cuticle and then the root is destroyed by chemical means so that the ingrown nail can not grow back. If the nail is infected you will most likely need to be on an antibiotic and have the infection resolved before a permanent procedure can be performed.
Thickened Nails:
Nails can become very thick, soft, brittle and sometimes turn yellow in color. This can be caused by pressure from shoes, injuries to the toe, fungal infections, or systematic conditions such as diabetes and vascular disease. In some cases the nail will lift up and eventually come off. If your nail is loose you should seek care from a medical professional and should not attempt to remove the nail yourself. Treatment of thick nails is usually done by grinding or filing the nail down to take away some of the thickness and alleviate the pressure on the nail. If a fungal infection is present you may be prescribed an anti-fungal medication which comes in oral and topical forms. In cases that require it, the nail can be removed in its entirety.
Warts:
Caused by a viral infection warts can sometimes be confused with a corn or callus. They can be painful and appear as solitary lesions or in groups of lesions and vary greatly in size. Common treatments are debridement of the lesion(s) with an application of an acid, which can require several treatments, and surgical excision. Because warts are viral they can reappear even after a successful treatment. But without proper treatment they will spread and can end up on different parts of the body or even spread to other people.
Tendonitis:
Overuse of your muscles can lead to too much tension being put on your tendons. Eventually this strain can cause the tendon to swell and possibly breakdown. The four major tendons that affect the foot /ankle area are: the front of the foot (The anterior tibial tendon). the back of the foot (The AchilIes tendon). the inside of the foot (The posterior tibial tendon), and the outside of the foot (The peroneal tendon). When you overuse these tendons they can become very painful. Pain will normally start after prolonged use, but eventually will hurt even when walking or standing if not treated. It is important to give your tendons time to heal; injections, ice and or heat, and anti-inflammatory medications may be recommended. Shoes that provide the correct support for you level of activity are important as well.
Diabetic Foot Care:
Because people with diabetes are at greater risk for infections it is very important to have their feet checked regularly. Neuropathy can cause a loss of a person's protective sensation and they might not be aware of a cut or sore that can lead to much greater problems. Accommodative shoe gear and regular foot check ups can greatly reduce the chances of diabetes related foot problems. For diabetic patients with certain risk factors and their primary care doctor's approval, Medicare will pay for one pair of shoes per calendar year. Our office carries the Dr. Comfort(tm) line of shoes and samples are on display in all offices. |
